Elbert School Board Revising Weapons Policy

A new piece of Georgia legislation that goes into effect on July 1st, has prompted an update to the Elbert County School System’s weapon policy.

House Bill 826 ends schools zero tolerance stances on weapons, and allows for more discretion on what to do with students found being in possession of weapons that are not firearms or explosives.

Under current policy and law, and student in violation of the weapons policy is to be expelled and reported to law enforcement.

Elbert County School Superintendent Chuck Bell says the new policy and legislation allows for a more “case by case” approach to be taken.

“It gives school systems discretion to take and consider incidents on a case by case basis. With HB 826 going into effect on July 1, its necessary for us to update our board policy on weapons, so that we are consistent with state law”, said Bell.

As with all policies implemented by the Elbert County Board of Education, the policy must be tabled for thirty days before being voted on.

That vote is expected to occur during the school board’s regular meeting in July.